*Warning* Possible plot spoilers for those who haven't read Trials of Apollo yet! (Nothing too major, and if you're a fan it's something you'll be pleased to hear anyway!)
They pushed through the the bushes hands linked together. As they walked, the moonlight fragmented over their bodies, passing through the tall strawberry bushes. Will's eyes reflected the light, like a cats, unlike Nico's, who seemed to absorb the light. They also seemed to balance each other's auras. Nico, who normally caused the plants to weaken, but not die, was counteracted by Will's aura, where he caused the plants to grow towards him, drawn in by the light that he emitted naturally, as a son of Apollo.
They walked through the bushes, not a word was shared. They didn't need to speak, as they knew what each other was thinking, and the silence was peaceful, and somehow more romantic than their kiss at the fire. They were comfortable around each other, and didn't need words or actions to express their feelings anymore.
After about 5 minutes of walking, Nico stepped forward, pulling Will along behind him. They pushed through one final bush, before being met by a statue, about as tall as the Athena Parthenos, which was back at camp. The statue was white, with lots of interlocking pieces. It was shaped like an angel, the kind that they put on graves.
Will walked towards it, in awe. "Nico, what is this?"
Nico sighed, and rubbed the back of his neck. "I made it. It's a memorial for all the demigods who died in a way that meant they couldn't be buried. Those are bones that represent them."
Will ran his fingers over the bones, and felt engravings. He looked closer and saw that names were written into the bones: "Zoƫ Nightshade", "Lee Fletcher", "Castor", "Charles Beckendorf", "Michael Yew", "Luke Castellan", "Ethan Nakamura", "Silena Beaureguard", "Octavius", "Bianca", the list went on and on. Will reached out and rested his hand on the bone of Michael Yew. Nico rested his hand on Will's back, which had started to shake. "I thought, hoped even, that, even though we didn't find his body," Will voice cracked, his back tensed in grief, "that he had somehow survived."
"Are you ok Will, do you want to go back?"
Will whipped around, suddenly serious. "Nico, is this why you haven't been recovering properly!"
Nico backed up immediately. When Will needed to be, he could get very angry. He was like Annabeth; scary when angry, terrifying when in arms reach.
"Will, I only summoned them in small portions, gradually, not all at once." He sighed. "I-I felt responsible, duty bound even, to do this, as the ambassador of Hades."
Will looked into his eyes, tears still there, and noticed that there were tears also in Nico's eyes.
"You cry so quietly, Nico."
"I'm used to it."
"Then, why did you tell me not to cry back at the fire? You knew we'd both end up crying when we came here."
"This feels more private. I didn't want to thrust this upon you so suddenly."
Will nodded. He sighed. "Why can we never do normal couple stuff?"
"We're not a normal couple." Nico replied, looking wistfully into the distance. "Don't worry. Next time I want it to be normal."
"I'll wait for that."
They sat, in silence again, holding hands again, and watched the sun fall beneath the bushes.
Nico woke up to find the bed empty again. He sat up and a piece of paper caught his eye. Will never left things lying around. Nico swung his legs out of bed and walked up to the kitchen counter.
The note read: Nico, I have left this note because even though it's 10:00 am you are still asleep. I will probably be gone by the time you read this, but I'm going to see my family. I was going to tell you in person at the fire but in the heat of the moment I forgot. I will be gone for a few day, so try not to trash the cabin. I'm not cleaning up when I get home.
Will xx
Nico sighed, then headed out to ask Chiron if he could have some food.
After eating, and pondering what to do, Nico finally decided to go visit his sister. He hadn't seen Hazel for 6 months, not since Gaia. So he decided to risk a quick shadowtravel to get there. He faded into the darkness. The voices immediately began crying out for help in anguish, all of the lost spirits clamouring to try to get his attention. He almost lost his focus but managed to navigate his way through into Camp Jupiter.
He suddenly appeared at Hazels feet. His face was in the dirt, and he heard a scream. He rolled over and looked up at Hazel. "Hi," he grinned,"long time no see!"
Once she had got over her original shock, and helped Nico to his feet, Hazel immediately began asking him questions. About Will, about people back at camp, and finally, about Leo.
"That's why I'm here." Nico said. "Where are Jason and the others?"
"Here," a familiar voice said from behind.
Nico turned to see Frank, Piper and Jason all standing behind him.
"How long were you there for, Grace?"
"Long enough to know this is about Leo," Piper replied.
Nico sighed. "He came back. He was just lost in the sea of monsters that's all."
"Where is he!" Frank cried, "cause he's better be ready for a dead arm, that idiotic, irritating..." Frank trailed off, insults pouring out of his mouth.
"He's on a quest. With Apollo. Who is human now."
They all blinked.
"What?"
"Look," Nico said, "it's probably easiest if you guys come back to Camp Half-Blood. That way we can all catch up and everything."
They all looked at one another, before turning to Nico and nodding. He grinned.
"Ok, but, no shadow travelling. Doctors orders."
Sorry for the late update. I'll try to update earlier next time! Let me know any improvements, corrections or changes you want. Also, if you want to request a character, I can also do that. See you next week!
